Electrical connecting plug



1931' J. G. PETERON 1,837,170

ELECTRICAL CONNECTING PLUG Filed July 13, 1925 A TTURNEY Patented 1sec. 15, 1931 Jme. rnrmzson, or wnsr mn'rronn, CONNECTICUT ELECTRICAL CONNECTING PLUG Application filed July 13, 1925. Serial No. 43,122.

This invention relates to electric connecting plugs, and more particularly to such plugs known as attachment plugs.

Ithas among its objectsto providem improved plug of the type described and claimed in my patent, Re. 17,068, and-wherein that construction is further improved and simplified in such manner ,as to increase its effectiveness and rugged character, while further reducin the cost of manufacture and assembly. 'urther objects of this invention are to provide improved interlocking means between the shell and base, and such means disposed inan improved arrangement relative tothe contact members, whereby not only an improved and a positive interlock is provided, but one Which is independent of the contact members, while still enabling the interlocking parts and contacts to be disposed in acompact arrangement insubstantially thesnine transverse zone. Still further objects are to provide a construction enabling effective contacts to be established and maintained, andto provide asimple, strong, inex- 21. pensive, and safe construction which is particularly adapted to withstand both the twisting and crushing effects to which such plugs are subjected in service. These and other objects and advantages of my improvement will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown for purposes of illustration one embodiment which my invention may assume in pmctice.

:5 Referring to these drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the device with an attachment associated therewith.

Fig. 2 is a. perspective view of the plug with the several parts as Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional View of said plug showing the-attachment by dotted lines. Fig. 4 iss-sid'e elevation, pantia'lly in sec tion,of the body of the plug, the section being taken at right anglesto the section shown in 45 Fig. 3.

As shown the illustrative device involves in its construction-a body 2 made oi insulating muteri al and preferably',as shown, having'a substantially flutinner end and having through it longitudinal comactspeitures- 01' bores 3 und'4. Herein, the apertures 3 and 4 r intersect with a relatively shallow rectangular cavity 5 in the inner end of the body. Surrounding the inner end of the bodyllsnd seated thereon is a conducting shell 6, which can be threaded to engage the threads in a wall socket or the like, not shown.

In the inner end of the'body are imbedded two diametrically opposite studs 01 rivets 7,

which, as herein may extend through raised insulating portions or lugs 7 on the body, and are located in corresponding enlarged openings 8 in the end of the shell 6, and also extend thro-u h openings or perforations 9 in an outer lit insulating disc 10 disposed over thesliell 6. Thedisc IO-alsio receives against its outer surface a. raised hollow central end contact 12, the base of which is herein flanged and perforated to receive the rivets 7, and provided with a. depending rim 1% engaging the disc 10. As shown, these rivets 7 are headed over the flange of this end contact 12. .Theend of the member 6 herein also has in it a punched lug 11, herein formed by punching down apo-rtio'n of the inner end of the member 6 between parallel slits in the transverse central zone of the shell and adapted to enter either endof the rectangular cavity 5 in the body 2,- and herein located above the bore 3. A'contact 14 extending into the aperture 4, as shown in 3, also projects through a. small perforation 6' in the base portion of the shell 6 and an other inthe disc 10 and has a.- laiteral extension 15 lying fiatwagminst theouter surface of the disc 10 with its ends engaging an annular contact surfiace 15' provided by the base of the center contact 12 shove the 12'. As shown, the contact 14 is of compoundcurvaiture having its upper end engaging against the inner wall of the bore 4, While in the bore 3 is a" similarly sh: con tact 16, the head portion 17 of which is-seated in'the depression 5 and clamped againstthe bottom thereof by the .flatcentral portion of the shell 6, as shown in Fig. 4.

As a: result of my improvement, it will be noted that not-only are'the partsheld together and'againstrelative rotatimi by theriivets,

but that through the provisionof the apertures 8, and herein also the insulating lugs 7 the shell or member 6 is also insulated from rivets 7 The parts are also effectually clamped, the shell and contacts being effectually clamped between the insulating base 2 and the center contact 12, with the contact 14 clamped between the disc and the center contact 12, and the contact 16 clamped between the base 2 and shell 6. Attention is moreover directed to the fact that through the lug 11 on the shell member 6 and the positive engagement of the parallel or cut edges of this lug with the parallel walls of the aperture 5 in the body 2, rotation of the shell relative to the body is also effectually prevented. At the same time it will be noted that although, if desired, contact can also be made, as herein, between the lug 11 and the contact 16, the interlock is in no sense dependent upon this contact member for its effectiveness, the engagement of the cut edges of the lug with the side walls forming the upper end of the longitudinal contact aperture in the base being wholly independent of the contact member. It will also be evident that a deep, and therefore effective, interlock is provided, and that the depth of the lug, and therefore of the interlock, may also be increased without interfering with the contact member 16. It will also be noted that in this construction it is made possible to provide a strong lug 11 and a strong shell 6 adapted to withstand abuse and the twisting experienced in service, all large openings in the inner end of the shell tending to weaken the latter being eliminated and the small openings provided being so spaced as to produce a strong shell, while also being adapted to be readily and cheaply provided. It will also be noted that during assembly it is only necessary as a result of this construction to extend the lateral extension on one base contact, i. e. the contact 1 1, through this shell, and that the other contact 16 is so constructed and arranged that it will remain located in the base while the shell is placed over it, thereby further facilitating assembly. The lug 11 on the shell is, of course, also adapted to enter and interlock with the inner end of either aperture 3, 4 in'the base and the cooperating contacts 14 and 16 may be similarly reversed in position as desired depending upon the position of the shell. It will also be noted that while the length of the lateral extension on the inner end of the contact member 16 may be shortened and still be effective due to the downward pressure of the shell thereon and the interlock provided by the engagement of the edges of the lateral extension with the walls of the depression in which the latter is seated, it is herein so elongated as not only further to assist in locating this member,but extend across and beyond the axis of the plug on the bottom of the cavity 5 and between the side walls thereof. Thus it is securely held against rotation, and also, in cooperation with the inner end of the base, it provides not only a large and effective contact with the shell, but a solid support underlying substantially the whole area of the inner end of the shell (see Fig. 4). It will also be observed that regardless of the length of its lateral extension the member 16 is herein also held in position in this depression and in the inner end of either of the bores 3 or l and in contact with the shell by the portion 11 on the member 6. Also, the shell 6 in my improved construction, when placed in position during assem bly with its lug 11 in the position shown in Fig. 3, acts to press the contact 16 in position, the shell 6 fitting the inner end of the base and thereby making manual holding in of the contact 16 unnecessary while the insulating disc 10 is being'placed in position. It will also be noted that the center contact 12 is provided with a curved and depending annular-rim 12 which extends below the inner annular contact surface 15 engaged by the lateral extension 15 and has its entire periphery uniformly engaging the outer surface of the disc 10 while it also encloses both the lateral extension 15 on the inner end of the contact member 1 1 and the aperture in v the disc 10 through which saidextension is passed.

Through the provision of my improved construction, an exceptionally rigid, simple, and cheap construction is provided which may be readily and cheaply assembled and in which the parts are so supported and held together as to prevent longitudinal separation, flexing of the contacts or shell, or crushing when pressure is applied longitudinally. It will also be noted that relative rotation is effectually prevented when, as often occurs, the plug is screwed tightly in a socket, my improved construction, including the interlock provided by the positive engagement of the parallel cut edges of the part 11 with the parallel walls at the upper end of the contact aperture being such that relative rotation of the shell is rendered practically impossible, no matter how hard the plug is screwed into the socket. Attention is also directed to the fact that in my improved construction, at the same time that my improved interlock is both positive and independent of the contact members, it is also disposed in the same transverse zone with the lateral extensions on the contact members and the apertures in the base and so disposed therein as not only to produce an effective disposition of the contact members in that'zone, but to assist in locating one of the contact members, to enable one of the contact apertures in the base to form a part of the interlock, and to cooperate with the other structure to produce a markedly strong and rigid tion of the flange or of the insulating disc engaged by the depending rim. Moreover, through the improved structure of the shell it will be noted that the rigidity of the shell is substantially increased and that the shell is adapted substantially throughout its whole area to be clamped by the disc upon the base, which, with the cooperating shell contact seated in the depression in the base, provides a smooth and rigid support for substantially the whole area of the end of the shell. Attention is also directed to the fact that through the use of my improved construction of center contact and shell whereby it is made possible to strengthen thestructure of these elements in such manner as to enable the same to be more rigid and free from distortion, it is also made possible to make the same of lighter material and consequently to reduce the cost substantially. These and other advantages or my improved construction will, however, be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art.

Here attention is also directed to the fact that certain of my improved features may be embodied in different devices, as for example, a lamp base or thelike, and that the various structural features of the illustrative construction shown may be modified and the various elements held together by other means than those illustrated, "Without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a connecting plug, an insulating base, a shell on the inner end thereof, anlinsuilating disc overlying the inner end of said shell, contact means providing a central: end contact portion insulated from said shell by said disc and co-operating contact portions in said base electrically connected respectively to said end portion and said shell, means insulated from said shell for holding the parts in assembled relation, andmeans independent of said co -operating contact portions and on the inner ends of said shell and base and in' substantially the same transverse zone as said contact portions for positively interlocking said shell and base against relative rotation.

2. In a connecting plug, an insulating base, a shell on the inner end thereof, an insulating disc overlying the inner end of said shell, contact imeans: providing a central end contact portion insulated fromssaid shell by said disc and' co operating contact'portions in said baseelectrically connected respectivelyto'said end. portion and said shell, :In'eans insulated from said shell. for holding the parts in assembled relation, and :nieans independent of sai'el Cooperatingcontact portions operative between said 'shell and base and in substantially the same transverse zone as saidcontact portions :for' positively interlocking said shell and base against relative rotation comprising projecting means on the inner end of one of said elements and having spaced substantially parallel sides, and an aperture in the inner end of the other element and having substantially parallel sides engageable with said vfirst mentioned sides.-

3. Ina connecting plug, an insulating base, a shell'on the inner end thereof,an insulatin disc overlying the inner end of said shel contact means providing a central end contact portion insulated from'said shell by said disc and co operating contact "portions in said base electrically connected respectively to said end portion and said shell, means insulated from said shell for holding the parts in assembled relation, and means independent of said co operating contact portions operative between said shell and base and in substantially thesame transverse zone assaid contact portions for positively interlocking said shell and base against relative rotation comprising projecting means on the inner end of said shell and presenting substantially parallel spaced sides and a rectangular recess in the inn'erend of said base having substantially parallel spaced sides engageable with said first mentioned sides.

4. In acon-necti-ng plug, an insulating base, ashell on the innerend thereof, a-cen-tralend contact, an insulatingdisc overlying the inner endof said shell,-co-operating contacts in said base electrically connected respectively to said end contact and said'shell and onehaving a lateral extensionbetween said end contact and disc and the other a lateral extension engaging said shell, means insulated from said shell for holding the parts in assembled relation, and means on the inner ends of said shell and base independent of said co-oper ating contacts and laterally spaced from said last mentioned lateral extension in substantially the same transverse zone as both: lateral extensions for interlocking said shell and base against relative rotation.

5. In a connecting plug, an insulating base, a shell on the inner end thereof, a central end contact, an insulating disc'overlying the inner end of said shell, co-operating contacts in said base electrically connected respectively to said end contact and said shell and one having a lateral extension between said end contact and disc and the" other a lateral extension engaging said shell, means insulated from said shell for holding the parts in assembled relation, and means independent of said .co-operating contacts for interlocking said shell and base against relative rotation comprising co-operating abutting means on each of the same laterally spaced from said last mentioned lateral extension and. abutting along lines adjacent and substantially parallel to the sides of both lateral extensions.

6. In a connecting plug, an insulating base, a shell on the inner end thereof, a central end contact, an insulating disc overlying the inner end of said shell, co-operating contacts in said base electrically connected respectively to said end contact and said shell and one having a lateral extension between said end contact and disc and the othera lateral extension engaging said shell, means insulated from said shell for holding the parts in as sembled relation, and means for interlocking said shell and base against relative rotation comprising projecting means on one of the same disposed in substantially the same transverse zone as the lateral extensions on said co-operating contacts but spaced laterally from said last mentioned lateral extension and a co-operating recess in the other interlocking with said projecting means.

7. In a connecting plug, an insulating base. a shell on the inner end thereof, a central end contact, an insulating disc overlying the inner end of said shell, co-operating contacts in said base electrically connected respectively to said end contact and said shell and one having a lateral extension between said end contact and disc and the other a lateral extension engaging said shell, means insulated from said shell for holding the parts in assembled relation, and interlocking means between said shell and base disposed in substantially the 'same transverse zone as said lateral extensions but spaced laterally in said Zone from said last mentioned lateral extension and comprising co-operating abutment means on said shell and base each having a substantially greater depth than the combined thickness of the inner end of said shell and of said last mentioned lateral extension.

8. The combination with an attachment plug having a base provided with contact apertures therein, a shell on said base, an insulating disc outside said shell, and cooperating contacts in said apertures, one between said disc and base and electrically connected to said shell and the other extending through said shell and disc and having a contact portion outside the latter, of an end contact connection engaging with said contact portion outside the disc and having an axially located hollow raised portion forming an end contact and also having an annularly disposed rim portion engaging the outer surface of said disc, and means for holding the parts in assembled relation.

9. In combination, an insulating base having its body provided with spaced longitudinal contact apertures, a conducting shell on the inner end of said base, an insulating disc overlying said shell and base, a raised hol low central contact outside said disc having a base flange provided With a depending rim, contacts in said apertures respectively connected to said shell and center contact including a contact extending through said shell and disc having a lateral extension engaging said flange and housed within said rim, and means holding the parts in assembled relation and clamping said depending rim in engagement with said disc.

10. In combination, an insulating base having a longitudinally extending contact aperture therein, a contact carried in said aperture, and a conducting shell fitted over the end of said base and engaging the contact and having a projecting lug engaging the walls of said aperture to hold said shell against rotation.

11. A connecting plug comprising an insulating body having a plurality of longitudinal contact apertures therein, and a shell fitted over the inner end of said body, the end of said shell having punched through it a lug projecting into the inner end of one of said apertures to prevent the shell from turning.

12. A connecting plug comprising an insulating body having a plurality of longitudinal contact apertures therein, and a shell fitted over the inner end of said body, the end of said shell having punched through it a lug and said lug and apertures being so disposed that said lug may project into the inner end of either of said apertures to prevent the shell from turning.

13. A connecting plug comprising an insulating body having a plurality of longitudinal contact apertures therein and a transverse contact receiving depression in its inner end extending from one aperture toward the other, and a shell fitted over the inner end of said body, the end of said shell having punched through it a lug projecting into the inner end of one of said apertures to prevent the shell from turning and also having a portion nearer its axis than said lug and engageable with a contact seated in said depression.

14. A connecting plug comprising an insulating body having a plurality of longitudinal contact apertures therein and a transverse contact receiving depression in its inner end extending from one aperture toward the other, and a shell fitted over the inner end of said body, the end of said shell having punched through it a lug projecting into the inner end of one of said apertures to prevent the shell from turning and also having a portion nearer its axis than said lug and engageable with a contact seated in said depression and an aperture disposed over the open end of said other aperture.

15. A connecting plug comprising an insulating body having a plurality of longitudinal contact apertures therein and a transverse contact receiving depression in its inner end extending from one aperture toward the other, and a shell fitted over the inner end of said body, the end of said shell having punched through it a lug projecting into the inner end of one of said apertures to prevent the shell from turning and also having a portion nearer its axis than said lug and engageable with a contact seated in said depression, said lug, apertures and depression being so disposed that said lug may project into the inner end of either of said apertures and in either position said portion will en age a contact seated in either end of said depresslon.

16. A connecting plug comprising an insulating body having longitudinal contact apertures, a shell on the inner end of the body and having a lug thereon seated in the inner end of one of said apertures to prevent the shell from turning contacts in said apertures one of which engages said shell, connecting means seated in the body and extending through an end of the shell and insulated therefrom, a disc fitted on an end of theshell andreceiving saidconnecting means, and a central end contact fitted against the disc and clamped thereto by said connecting means and clamping a portion of the other contact between said central contact and said disc.

17. In combination, an insulating base having a contact aperture therein and also a depression in its inner end, a contact in said aperture having a lateral portion lying in said depression, and a conducting shell fitted over the end of said base and having'an end portion overlying and engaging the lateral portion of said contact and projecting means projecting into said contact aperture and engaging the walls of said aperture to prevent rotation.

18. In combination, an insulating base having contact apertures therein and a depression in its inner end between said apertures, a conducting shell fitted over the end thereof forming a side contact and having a depressed portion in its end receivable in either contact aperture to inhibit relative rotation, a thin insulating discoverlying the end of said shell, a raised hollow center contact on said disc, conducting means respectively electrically connected to said center contact and shell including a member in one contact aperture having a lateral extension seated on said disc and clamped between said center contact and disc and a C o-operating member in the other contact aperture having a lateral extension seated in said depression sulating base having longitudinal contact apertures therein and a depression in its inner end between said apertures, a contact in one of said apertures having a lateral extension lying in said depression, a conducting shell on said inner end and engaging the exposed surface of said lateral extension and having a lug extending into the aperture in which said contact extends and inhibiting relative rotation between the shell and base, an insulating disc seated on the inner end of said shell, a co-operating contact disposed in the other aperture and extending through apertures in the inner end of said shell and in said disc and havin a lateral extension lying on the exposed ice of the latter, a a central contact engaging said lateral ex tension, and means holding the parts in as sembled relation.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature JOHANN G. PETERSON. 

